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I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can
Tom Bergeron
Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood
HarperOne
April 2009
On Sale: April 7, 2009
240 pages
ISBN: 0061765872
EAN: 9780061765872
Hardcover
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Non-Fiction Memoir
He's one of the most ubiquitous men on television. Certainly
the most calm, cool, and collected—the king of "off the
cuff." And no one throws to a commercial better. Yes,
Tom Bergeron is a Hollywood staple, and the role for which
he is best known is . . . well . . . himself. But while he's
a comforting presence to millions of people, cultivating
this seemingly unshakeable positive outlook and cool persona
took as much motivation, inspiration, perseverance, and
experience as it would take one to prepare a classic part
for the stage. I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can! is the
trying, often laugh-out-loud journey it took to get to
himself. Tom got into the world of
entertainment by way of local radio at age seventeen,
hosting what his first boss told him was and should
be a "no-personality station." He said, "Tommy, just play
the records and read the commercials." But the
sit-down-and-shut-up attitude belied Tom's natural
inclination to inject personality and a little pluck into
his broadcasts. So, Tom sought other performance
opportunities on radio, in improvisational theater, and even
as a mime (yes, a mime), which would help him hone
the expressiveness that seems to come so naturally to his
presentation. His determination would result in a
high-profile hosting gig on the iconic game show
Hollywood Squares and guest-hosting appearances on
ABC's Good Morning America and CBS's Early
Show. But as is sometimes the case with enthusiastic
dynamos like Tom, he had an explosive temper that he admits
had the potential to derail his dreams of being not only a
successful broadcaster but also a successful husband,
father, and friend. How to cope? "I meditated my temper into
submission," says Tom with his trademark sense of humor. In
I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can!, Tom elaborates on the
process by which he is able to sit calmly and patiently,
without being distracted, at any time, no matter how hectic,
as well as respond quickly (and hilariously) when Marie
Osmond faints at his feet on live TV. Haven't seen it? Check
it out on YouTube. The man is always in control.
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